Article
3 min read
A Guide to Employee Background Checks in Cyprus
Legal & compliance
Employee background checks
Author
Michał Kowalewski
Published
August 16, 2024
Last Update
November 28, 2024
Table of Contents
Essential information for a background check in Cyprus
Are background checks legal in Cyprus?
What types of background checks are illegal in Cyprus?
Common background check industries
Types of background checks in Cyprus
Background check mistakes to avoid in Cyprus
Step-by-step guide of employee background checks in Cyprus
Run employee background checks with Deel
Key Takeaways
- Background checks are legal in Cyprus but must comply with GDPR and other local data protection laws. Explicit consent from candidates is mandatory.
- Key mistakes to avoid include neglecting to obtain consent, conducting irrelevant checks, non-compliance with GDPR, lack of transparency, and relying on inaccurate information.
- Common background checks include criminal record checks, employment verification, education verification, and reference checks. Social media screening is also increasingly common.
Employee background checks should be an integral part of your hiring process in Cyprus. Although not mandatory, they are a common practice, especially in finance, healthcare, education, and government organizations.
Cyprus is the most populous Mediterranean island, and with an economy that successfully blends traditional industries with innovation and technology, it's an increasingly attractive destination for businesses looking to expand their footprint in the region. In addition, Cyprus' economy has proved to be efficient and resilient in the face of recent global financial turmoil and has been able to bounce back from setbacks and perform beyond expectations.
Background checks are an important tool for companies to actively participate in the successful economy of this island, but there are rules and limitations to employee background checks that must be complied with to avoid potential legal repercussions.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- How to run an effective and legal employment screening in Cyprus
- What the common types of employee checks are in Cyprus
- How to conduct a thorough employee screening, step-by-step
- What mistakes to avoid when performing a background check in Cyprus
Essential information for a background check in Cyprus
The Processing of Personal Data (Protection of Individuals) Law of 2001, which aligns with the European Union's GDPR, governs the privacy and handling of personal data. Key organizations involved include the Office of the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection, which oversees compliance with data protection laws.
- While the GDPR sets the framework for data privacy protection in Cyprus, a number of locally-specific laws and regulations have been passed to supplement it.
- A privacy impact assessment is required in many cases of sensitive data acquisition, usage, and transfer.
- The Office of the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection is responsible for a variety of tasks relating to data protection, from education to enforcement of regulations.
Are background checks legal in Cyprus?
Yes, background checks are legal in Cyprus, provided they comply with the relevant data protection laws and respect the individual's privacy rights. Employers must obtain explicit consent from candidates before conducting any checks and should limit their inquiries to information relevant to the job role. It's also essential to inform candidates about the specific checks being conducted and the purpose behind them.
Background checks
What types of background checks are illegal in Cyprus?
Certain types of checks are restricted or considered illegal in Cyprus, particularly those that infringe upon the candidate's privacy without just cause. For example:
- Accessing medical records without explicit consent or for non-relevant positions may be deemed illegal.
- Social media screening without consent or relevance to the job can also cross legal boundaries.
- Any form of discrimination based on protected categories such as race, gender, and religious beliefs, that may be a consequence of a background check is also illegal.
Common background check industries
In Cyprus, various industries rely on employee background checks to ensure the integrity and reliability of their workforce. Some of the common industries where background checks are prevalent include:
- Finance and banking: Cyprus is a significant financial hub, particularly in the areas of investment and banking. Background checks in this sector are crucial for preventing fraud, ensuring the proper handling of financial transactions, and safeguarding customer data, thereby maintaining the integrity of financial institutions operating in the country.
- Healthcare and education: The healthcare and education sectors in Cyprus involve direct contact with vulnerable populations, including children and the elderly. Comprehensive background checks are standard practice to ensure that professionals meet the necessary qualifications and have no legal issues that could pose risks to the well-being of those they serve.
- Tourism and hospitality: Given Cyprus's reliance on tourism as a major economic driver, background checks are important in the hospitality sector. These checks help ensure that employees in hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions are trustworthy and capable of providing a safe and enjoyable experience for visitors.
- Construction and real estate: With a growing construction industry and a robust real estate market, background checks are essential in Cyprus to verify that workers and contractors possess the necessary qualifications and have no legal issues. This is crucial for ensuring compliance with local regulations and maintaining safety standards on construction sites.
- Shipping and maritime: As an island nation with a prominent maritime industry, Cyprus requires background checks for roles in shipping and maritime operations. These checks help verify that individuals have the required certifications and a clean legal record, ensuring the safety and security of maritime activities and compliance with international regulations.
Types of background checks in Cyprus
Effective employment screening in Cyprus covers essential aspects to evaluate a candidate's abilities. Knowing these areas helps employers tailor screening processes to meet job requirements and legal standards.
| Type of Check | Common in Cyprus | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Criminal record check | Common | Ensure the candidate has no criminal history that could affect their suitability for the role, especially in sensitive sectors. |
| Employment verification | Common | Confirm previous employment history and job experience, particularly important for senior and specialized roles. |
| Education verification | Common | Verify academic credentials to prevent fraud and ensure qualifications align with job requirements. |
| Reference check | Common | Assess the candidate’s past job performance, reliability, and character through former employers or colleagues. |
| Credit check | Less common | Used primarily for roles involving financial responsibilities to assess financial stability and trustworthiness. |
| Health and medical checks | Less common | Required for specific roles to ensure the candidate is physically and mentally fit for the job. |
| Social media screening | Increasingly common | Evaluate the candidate’s online behavior and presence to ensure alignment with company values and public image. |
Common checks focus on verifying qualifications and integrity, while less common checks may be explored for specific roles requiring additional scrutiny.
Background check mistakes to avoid in Cyprus
Whether you’re hiring employees or contractors in Cyprus, there are a few things you shouldn’t do as an employer when it comes to background checks:
- Neglecting candidate consent: Always obtain explicit consent before initiating any background checks.
- Overstepping legal boundaries: Avoid delving into areas protected by privacy laws, such as personal medical records, without justified cause.
- Failing to verify information: Ensure the accuracy of the information collected by cross-referencing multiple sources.
Step-by-step guide of employee background checks in Cyprus
Employers looking to hire in Cyprus should follow the list of steps below to ensure legal, effective, and thorough employee background checks.
- Obtain consent: Begin by securing written consent from the candidate, clearly stating the scope of the background check.
- Verify identity: Confirm the candidate's identity through official documents, such as a passport or national ID.
- Check criminal records: Request a criminal record check from the Cyprus Police, if relevant to the job.
- Educational verification: Verify academic credentials by contacting the educational institutions listed on the candidate's resume.
- Employment history: Contact previous employers to confirm employment dates, positions held, and reasons for leaving.
- Reference checks: Conduct reference checks with provided contacts to gain insights into the candidate's skills and character.
- Credit history check: For financially sensitive positions, consider conducting a credit history check through a credit bureau, with consent.
- Social media screening: With consent, review publicly available social media profiles for any red flags, ensuring relevance to the job role.
- Compliance with data protection laws: Ensure all data collected is handled in accordance with the Processing of Personal Data Law.
- Communicate results: Inform the candidate about the outcome of the background checks and the next steps in the hiring process.
After exploring various providers, it's clear that Deel is the best on the market. We were able to hire approximately 40 employees in the Philippines within a matter of months. Their background check process was easy and effective and made us feel safe about hiring in new markets. We're truly grateful for the opportunity to work with this team!
—Bree Cohen,
Vice President of Talent at Power Digital Marketing
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About the author
Michał Kowalewski a writer and content manager with 7+ years of experience in digital marketing. He spent most of his professional career working in startups and tech industry. He's a big proponent of remote work considering it not just a professional preference but a lifestyle that enhances productivity and fosters a flexible work environment. He enjoys tackling topics of venture capital, equity, and startup finance.
